Family Activities:

Cascadas de Llano Grande

Attraction

Located in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains, the cascadas or waterfalls of Huatulco are a beautiful place to swim while taking in the awe of the waterfalls. Transportation is provided with any tour/excursion to Llano Grande, as the mountainous drive is recommended for experts only. It takes nearly two hours — over divots, around curvy bends and up gravel, rock and both dirt and paved roads — to reach the beautiful mountain range. But it is worth the long and arduous journey. The lush, green mountain views (during the summer and fall months) are fabulous to look at while ascending the mountain.

Once you arrive at La Gloria Plantation, you will be greeted with coffee and cookies, as well as restrooms for folks who would like to change into swimsuits. Then it’s a short walk along a dirt, tree-lined path that runs along the water. The loud rush of the waterfalls makes this a serene, easy hike for all ages. There are plenty of spots to stop and take photos along the way too.

For adventure seekers, there is a spot high above one waterfall where, with one big jump, you can plunge into the cool water without hesitation. But if you’re more the type to easy into cool water, that’s an option as well. There are several benches and a changing station at the main waterfall surrounded by trees. Here, families can easily walk into the cool waterfall pool and stare up at the beautiful falls, keeping the thrills to a minimum. There is a rope swing that hangs high above the waterfall and begs for someone to try it.

The soft, red clay found at the waterfall is also great for the skin. Visitors are encouraged to put the clay mask on their faces and it is said to remove impurities, wrinkles and give you back at least 10 years of your youth, of course.

After spending time swimming and enjoying the waterfalls that surround Llando Grande, it’s time to hike back to La Gloria Planation for an included lunch, tour of the coffee mill and onsite market where visitors can purchase coffee beans, the red clay mask, chocolate, mole sauces and other local goods.

Tour Length

This tour takes all day, about seven hours. It takes nearly two hours (each way) to drive up and down the mountain.

Dining

Depending on your tour guide, lunch and snacks are usually included in this tour.

Things to Know

Bring medication if you’re prone to getting car sick. Bring a towel, sunscreen and bug spray. Wear closed-toe shoes or water shoes. There is a pebble-sandy bottom in the waterfall pool and dirt and large rocks surround the area. Flip flops are not recommended. If you’d like to bring a change of clothes, there are restrooms and changing areas to remove wet bathing suits.